Door actuating mechanism



Aug. 27, 1935. H. c. WALDMAN 2,012,440

DOOR ACTUATING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 22, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet l jgz.

A INVENTOR. 13/ I #emw C W/ILDM/ fig. 3.

Aug. 27, 1935. H. c. WALDMAN 2,012,440

DOOR AGTUATING MEGHANI SM Filed Aug. 22, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 19 INVENTOR.

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Aug. 27, 1935. H. c. WALDMAN DOOR ACTUATING MECHANISM 3 Sheefs-Sheet 3 Filed Aug. 22, 1933 Car W a H A on m A 3,10%. 9

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Patented Aug. 27, 1935 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 12 Claims.

This invention relates generally to door-operators and, more particularly, to a certain new and useful improvement in electro-responsive dooractuating mechanisms adapted especially, though not exclusively, for automatically controlling the individual operation of doors for protecting the landings of an elevator.

My invention has for its prime object the provision of electro-responsive mechanism for controlling the operation of elevator-doors, more especially of the so-called counterbalanced type, wherein the door is divided substantially at its center, one door-section moving vertically upwardly, and the other door-section moving downwardly when the door is shifted to open position.

My invention has for another object the provision, in mechanisms of the character described, of a simple, sturdy, easily installed, and reliable door-operator occupying relatively small space and readily accommodated within the narrow confines of an elevator well without interfering with the elevator proper or the appurtenances thereof.

My invention has for still another object the provision, in a door-operator of the kind set forth, of means for electrically and mechanically interlocking the operation of the door with the movement of the elevator, so that the door may not be opened unless the elevator is at the landing protected by the door, and the elevator may not be moved from the landing when the door is opened.

My invention has for a fiu'ther object the provision, in such door-operator, of means for automatically controlling or timing the movement of the door, so as to retard the speed of the door or door-sections as the same approach the termini of their travel for avoiding shocks to, and slamming of, the door, and for insuring that, if for any reason the door is shifted from fully closed or opened position, the same will be automatically restored to its fully closed or open position.

And with the above and other objects in view, my invention resides in the novel features of form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts hereinafter described and pointed out in the claims.

In the sheets) Figure 1 is a rear elevational view of an elevator landing-door equipped with actuating mechanism of my invention;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the door accompanying drawings (three and its actuating mechanism, the wall of the elevator-well being shown in section;

Figure 3 is a top-plan view of the door and its actuating mechanism, the wall of the elevatorwell being shown in section and the elevator proper being fragmentally shown;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of the zone-switch of the mechanism;

Figure 5 is an enlarged front or chain-side view of the drive-head of the mechanism;

Figure 6 is an enlarged rear or elevator-well side view of the drive-head of the mechanism;

Figure 7 is an enlarged top-plan view, partly broken away and in section, of the mechanism;

Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view of the cam switch of the mechanism;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view of the cam switch;

Figure 10 is a detail sectional view of one of the timer cams and its switch lever; and

Figure 11 is a wiring diagram of an installation of the mechanism.

Referring now more in detail and by reference characters to the drawings, which illustrate a practical embodiment of my invention, A designates a conventional form of electrically operated elevator, which, by mechanism not shown, is actuable for vertical travel in an elevator-well or shaft B preferably, though not necessarily, con structed of brick masonry or other similar fireproof material, merely the front wall I of which is shown.

2 designates one of the landings, as a floor or the like, to be serviced by the elevator A, the wall I of the elevator-well B having an aperture or opening 3 disposed at the landing 2 for access therefrom to the elevator A.

C designates a door-structure which, as in the present instance, preferably, though not necessarily, comprises a pair of superposed upper and lower vertically movable sections 4, 5, respectively, disposed for travel in suitably spaced vertical guides 1, I, attached to the face 6 of the wall I adjacent the respective jambs of the opening 3, as best seen in Figure 3.

Normally, the door-sections 4, 5, are disposed in opposing meeting relation for spanning across, and effecting closure of, the opening 3, the upper section 4, however, being shiftable upwardly until it is wholly above the lintel of the opening 8, and the lower section 5 being shiftable until it is wholly below the sill of the opening 3, for disposing the door C in opened position.

The door-sections 4, 5, are actuable by a dooroperator mechanism D, which includes a pair of chains 8 looped over respective sheaves 9, 9, and attached at one end to brackets l9 which project laterally from the respective opposite sides or the lower margin of the upper door-section l, while, at their other end, the respective chain-loops 8 are engaged with the upper end of respective chain-rods ii extending upwardly from corresponding ears or brackets l2 projecting laterally from the upper margin of the lower section 5, the weight of the one door-section thus counterbalancing the weight of the other. At its lower end, each rod ll has threaded thereon a pair of jam-nuts it for mpinging the respective upper and lower faces of the ears iii, whereby the rod H may be adjustably disposed for regulating the position of the sections A, 5, with respect to the opening 3.

The sheave 9, which supports one of the chains 8, is mounted on a shaft lfil journaled for rot-ation in a housing 55 attached, as by suitable cars it, to the adjacent door-guide l, the sheave 9 projecting peripherally through a suitable slot provided in the guide l. In a similar manner, the sheave 9', which supports the other chain 8 on the opposite side of the door-structure is mounted on a shaft ll journaled for rotation in a housing l8 attached, as by suitable ears it, to the adjacent door-guide l, the sheave 9 likewise projecting peripherally through a suitable slot provided in the guide 'l. The housings l5, l8, it may here be pointed out, are interchangeably mountable on the guides l, l, as may best serve the intended purpose.

Formed in the shaft-wall i in registration with and between the housings l5, i8, is a channel l9, into which the shafts i l and ll endwise project, as does also a stub-shaft PM on the housing I5. Most conveniently, it may be said, the Chan-- nel or chase i9 may be const noted by merely setting back two or three courses of the bri lrwork transversely, and in the face 5, of the shaft-wall I.

At its said projecting end, the shaft Id supports a driving sprocket and supported for rotation on the projecting end of the shaft 2! below the plane of, and in registration with, the sprocket 2G, is an idler-sprocket 22. Between the housing l5 and the sprocket the shaft 2i pivotally supports an upstanding lever which, intermediate its ends, rotatably supportsan upper idler-sprocket 24 disposed above the plane or", and likewise in registration with, the sprocket 20.

An endless chain 25 is trained or reeved over the lower idler-sprocket 22, the driving sprocket 29, and the upper idler-sprocket in the order named, and irorn the latter extends longitudinally in the chase l9 to and over a driven sprocket 28 mounted on the shaft ll, the chain 25 then returning in the chase id to the lower idlersprocket 22, the arrangement being such that the shaft I1 is actuated reversely of and by the shaft 14.

At its upper or free end, the lever 23 is provided with a lug El, through which is threaded an adjusting screw 28, which at its one end impinges a stop 29 projecting upwardly from the housing l5, whereby, by manipulatin the screw 28, the sprocket 24 on the lever may be shifted suitably for tensioning the chain 25 as circumstances may require.

Within the housing or shell E5, the shaft l4 carries a gear 36 preferably of the helical type, which meshes with a helical pinion formed on a shaft 32, the latter preferably comprising an extension of the rotor-shaft of a prime-mover in the form of a motor 33 mounted on the shell l5. Preferably the frame of the motor 33 includes a bell-end portion 34 having upper and lower cars 35 and a laterally extending bracket or leg 35, whereby the motor 33 may with ease and facility be attached to and supported by the housing i5.

Preferably, also, the motor shaft 32 is supported at its outer end in a suitably adjustable bearing 3'! for eireoting proper meshing engagement of the pinion ill with the gear 3%.

Mounted in suitable position on one of the door-guides 'l, is a so-called zone-switch E, which includes a housing or shell 38 pivotally supporting at its upper end, as at 39, a bell-crank or lever 40, whose shorter or horizontal arm has a link-connection, as at ll, with a plunger 42 vertically reciprocable in suitably spaced guides 43 projecting from the rear wall of the h0us ing 38.

Mounted on and spanning between the guides a3, is an insulation-block 44, in and through which are mounted three vertically spaced electrical conducting contacts 45. On the plunger 32, are correspondingly spaced brackets 46 carrying suitable insulation-blocks Al supporting, in turn, suitable electrical conducting contactors 48 for cooperative engagement with the respective contacts 55. For purposes of description, the two upper pairs of cooperating contacts and contactors 48 will be designated as the door-operator switches 19, 55. respectively, and the lower pair of contact 45 and contaotor 48 will be designated as the elevator-operator switch 5|.

A spring or like tensional member 52 is mounted suitably on the plunger 42 for normally biasing the same toward the upper extremity of its movement, the door-operator switches 49 and 50, at such time, being in circuit-opening position, and the elevator-operator switch 5| being then in circuit-closing position for purposes presently appearin On its longer or upstanding arm, the lever 40 adjustably carries a ratchet-plate 53 having a series of serrations or teeth 54 for meshing engagement with a corresponding series of teeth on a ratchet-arm 55 suitably fixed upon and upstanding from the adjacent ear [2 of the lowerdoor 5.

The teeth 54 are so arranged that, while the door-section 5 may be shifted upwardly in doorclosing direction for ratchet movement of the arm 55 over the plate 53 against the bias of the spring '34, the teeth 54 on the plate 53 so normally engage the arm 55 as to prevent reverse or downward movement of the arm 55 for anchoring the lower door-section 5, through the lever pivot 39 and the housing to the door-guide l, whereby the door-structure C, when in closed position, is securely latched against reverse or opening movement thereof.

At its upper end, the longer vertical arm of the lever lil carries a roller 56 constructed of rubber or other suitable material, which normally proects into the elevator-well B in registration with the path of travel of a so--called retiring-cam" 5 mounted on the elevator A. The cam is of a type well known in the art, and it suliices merely to that, when the controller on the elevator A (not shown) is moved to its firs notch, preliminary to initiating movement of the elevator A, a suitable prime-mover in the form of a motor mounted on the elevator A, actuates the cam 5? for withdrawing or retiring the cam to inoperative position, but when the controller on the elevator is in neutral position for cessation of movement of the elevator A, the motor E is demncrgined and the cam 51 is automatically projected so as to engage the roller 58 as the elevator A' in its movement comes opposite the landing 2.

On engagement of the cam 51 with the roller 58, the lever 48 is rocked on its pivot 38 and the plimger 42 is thereby shifted downwardly in the housing 38, whereupon the contactor II is disengaged from the contact-pins 41, while the contactors l8 and 58 engage the pins 85, 88, respectively. At the same time, on such movement of the lever 48, the ratchet-plate I3 is disengaged from the arm 55, and the door-structure C thereby unlatched for permitting opening movement thereof, as will presently more particularly appear.

A latch-dog I28 is pivotally mounted on the housing 38 and is provided on its under-face with a series of notches or steps I28 co-operable with a lug I38 projecting from the lever 48 and so disposed that, when the lever 48 is rocked for unlatching the door-structure C, the lug I38 is moved to registration with oneof the notches I28. The dog I28, however, projects also into the path of movement of a lug I3I projecting from the ratchet-arm 55 of the door-section 5, whereby, when the door-section 5 is in closed position, the lug I3I engages the dog I28 for holding the same out of engagement with the lug I38. But if the door C be now opened, the section 5 moves downwardly for disengaging the lug I3I from the dog I28, whereby the dog I28 is free to drop upon the lug I38 for causing the latter to enter a I notch I28, thereby latching the lever 48 securely includes a housing 58, journalled in which is a .cam-shaft -68, and mounted on one end of the shaft 88,.is a gear 8| which meshes with a pinion 82 on a stub-shaft 83, the latter, in turn, carrying a sprocket-wheel 84 disposed over the elevator-well B.

Trained over the sprocket 88, is a. chain 88 having one of its ends attached to a counter-weight 5i Bhiftably guided in a vertical tube 81, as best seen in plan in Figure 8. To the other end of the chain 65, is attached a wire or tape 88, which descends to the bottom of the elevator well B. where a suitably attached weight 88 serves merely for maintaining the chain 65 in taut condition.

At each door-structure C, the tape 88 passes through a suitably apertured lug 18 attached to an adjacent ear I2 of the particular lower doorsection 5, the tape 88 being equipped with a series? of collars 1I respectively adjustable on the tape 68 for normally, under bias of the counterweight 88, engaging the underside of a corresponding lug 18, whereby, on opening-actuation of the door C, the lowering movement of the doorsection 5 shifts the tape 88 downwardly for eiiecting rotation of the cam-shaft 88 in one or dooropening direction approximately one-half revolution, more or less, as may best serve the purpose.

The shaft 88 is preferably threaded substantially its entire length and carries a series of composite or two-part cams 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 11, respectively, each composed of a pair of substantially similar cam-discs a, b, each having a dwellportion for substantially one-half 0! its periphery and a drop-portion for the remainder thereof. The cam-discs a, b, are adjustably mounted on the shaft 88, whereby the angular relationship of one cam-disc, as a, of a pair may be varied with respect to the other cam-disc b, so as to provide a resulting drop-portion c of the composite cam of suitable angular distance, as will presently appear. When properly so adjusted, the respective cam-discs a, b, are clamped firmly together by means of corresponding pairs of opposing nuts 18 threaded on the shaft 68, which nuts 18 may also be employed for properly spacing the cams 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 11, longitudinally on the cam-shaft 68.

Mounted suitably adjacent the rear wall of the housing 58, is a pivot shaft 18, which supports, at properly spaced intervals, a series of switch-levers 88, each carrying a roller 8i for respective cooperable engagement with the periphery of the cams 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 11, also respectively.

On each switch-lever 88, is insulatably mounted at an end a resilient-member 82 of conducting material, whose other end is secured to an insulation-block 83 mounted on the rear wall of the housing 58 for biasing the roller 8| on the particular cam 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 11, as the case may be, each resilient-member 82 being associated with, andconductively connected to, a terminalpost 84 also mounted on the insulation-block 83.

Each switch-lever 88 also carries a contactor 85 of current conducting material and conductively connected with the resilient-member 82, the contactor 85 being cooperable with a contact 86 mounted on an insulation-block 81 supported suitably across the front of the housing 58, the contact 88, in turn, being conductively connected to a. corresponding terminal 88 also mounted on the block 81.

For purposes of description, the switching units composed of the several pairs of co-operable contactors 85 and contacts 86 will be referred to respectively as the cam switch 88, 88, 8|, 82, 83, 84, respectively, operable for closure thereof by, and when a particular roller 8I drops into the portion 0 of, the cams 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, and 11, also respectively.

The function of the controller-switch F is to automatically control the actuation of the dooroperator D, which is effected by means of a conventional form of magnetic reversing switch G preferably mounted also in the housing 58. In the present instance, it may here be said, the motor 33 of the door-operator D is of the alternating current three-phase type, although, of

course, other types of prime-mover may be employed, as may best serve the purpose.

For controlling such three-phase current, the reversing switch G is equipped with a first group of three normally open switches 85 operable for closure thereof by, and on energization of, a solenoid 88, the switches 85 being respectively connected on their one side to the three-phase main leads 81, 88, 98, of the source of power supply. The reversing switch G also includes a second group of three normally open switches I88 operable for closure thereof by, and on energization of, a solenoid IN, the switches I88 being likewise respectively connected on their one side to the three-phase leads 81, 88, 88. On de-energization of the solenoids 86, IN, the respective switches 85, I88, are automatically returned to normal open position as by suitably mounted tension members or springs 85', I88, respectively, as indicated in Figure 11.

On their other side, the respective groups of switches 95, I00, are connected with trunk-leads I92, I03, I04, suitably enclosed in a conduit I05, which descends to the bottom of the elevator-well B. Opposite each zone-switch E, the trunk-leads I02, I93, are connected to the door-operator switches 49, 50, respectively, and from thence by motor-leads I03, I51, also respectively to the motor 33, the trunk-lead I94 being connected directly with the motor 33 by a lead I08.

The trunk-leads I02, I03, I04, are connected to the reversing switch G in such manner that, assuming the switches 45, 59, are first closed, closure of the switches 95 will actuate the motor 33 in one direction for opening the door C, and, when the switches i90 are closed, the motor 33 will be actuated in the other direction for closing the door 0, the reversing switch G being suitably equipped with interlocking means, as diagrammatically illustrated at I09, for automatically opening one group of switches, as 95, when the other group thereof, as 550, is closed, or vice-versa, in the manner well known in the art.

The respective elevator-operator switches 5I of the several zone-switches E are connected in series by means of a lead I 20 also preferably enclosed in the conduit 695. The lead i 50 forms part of a loop-circuit included in the elevator-controlling circuit of the elevator-motor controlboard (not shown), and suffices here merely to say that, when, as is normally the case, all the switches 5i are closed, the elevator-controllingcircuit is effective for operations of the elevator A, whereas opening of any one of the switches 5i interrupts the controlling-circuit so that the elevator A may not be operated until that particular switch 5! is again closed.

One of the three-phase main leads, as 91, is extended to a snap or cut-out switch I I i mounted on the elevator A, which controls the supply of current, through a lead I I2, to a pair of normally open push-button switches I I 3, I I 4, also mounted on the elevator A, the push-button switch II3 being, in turn, connected through a lead I l 5 with the switch 89 of the controller F, and the switch I I4 being connected through a lead II6 with the switch 94 of the controller F.

The cut-out switch III is also connected through a second lead I l! with a pair of norreally open push-button switches i I8, I I 9, located on the room side of the bottom-landing of the elevator-well B, the switch H8 being, in turn, connected with the lead I I5 of the cam-switch 89, and the switch I I9 being connected with the lead IIG of the cam switch 94. Finally, a third lead I28 connects the cut-out switch II I with the cam switches, 90, SI, 92, 93, of the controller F.

It will be seen that the supply of current to the controller F is controlled, in the first instance, by the cut-out switch III, and that the camswitches 89 and 94 are further controlled by the push-button switches H3, H8, for the switch 89, and by the push-buttons H4, H9, for the camswitch 94.

The cam-switches 89 and 92 are, in turn, connected by a lead I2I with one side of the solenoid 96, whose other side is connected to the mainlead 99. The cam-switches SI, 93, and 94 are connected by a lead I22 with the solenoid IOI, whose other side is likewise connected to the main-lead 99. Thus, the solenoids 96, IUI, are connected, through the several controlling cam switches as described, across one of the phases of the alternating current supply, in the present instance between the leads 9?, 99, thereof.

The cam switch 90 is connected by a lead I23 with a so-called maintaining switch I24 forming a part of the reversing switch G and connected, in turn, with the lead I2I of the solenoid 96, the switch i24 being open when the main-switches Q5 of the reversing switch G are open and the switch I24 being closed when the switches 95 are closed, for a purpose presently appearing.

In some installations, a switch I25 is provided on the elevator control-board, for example, in connection with the micro-leveling device, or other elevator-position responsive switch, not forming a part of this invention, and is automatically operable responsively to movement of the elevator for momentarily closing the switch I25 when the elevator A is opposite any one of the landings 2, as well known to those skilled in the art, and it will be observed that a suitable lead I26 is run from the lead I20 to the switch I25, and another lead I21 runs from the switch I25 to the cam-switch 89, whereby current may, if desired, be supplied directly through the switches I 25 and 89 to the solenoid 96.

In use and operation, the conventional controller (not shown) on the elevator is brought to neutral position, which de-energizes the motor 58, and the cam 51 is automatically projected, in the well-known manner, common to such installations and not forming a part of this invention, and hence not deemed necessary of further description, into engagement with the roller 56 of the zone-switch E at that particular landing 2, to which the elevator A is brought, as shown by dotdash lines in Figure 11.

On engagement of the cam 57 with the roller 55, the zone-switch E is actuated for closing the switches 19, 50, thus connecting the door-operator motor 33 with the trunk-leads I02, I03. At the same time, the switch 5I is opened, thus interrupting the elevator-operator circuit, so that theelevator A may not thereafter be moved during the door-opening operation, that is, until the door is closed and the zone-switch E is reversely actuated, as presently appearing.

The cam I2 of the controller F is normally, that is, when thedoor C is closed, disposed for closing the switch 89 of the controller F. The elevatorattendant, accordingly, desirin to open the door C, actuates the push-button II3 for energizing the lead II 6, current being hence, through the normally closed switch 89 and lead I2I supplied to the solenoid 96 for closing the switches 95 of the reversing switch G.

On closure of the switches 95, current is supplied from the mains 91, 98, 99, through the trunk-leads I02, I03, I04, to the particular zoneswitch E which has been actuated by the cam 51, and from thence through the motor-leads I06, I07, I08, to the motor 33 of the corresponding door-operator D, thereby initiating door-opening actuation of the door-sections 4, 5, of the particular door C of the landing at which the elevator A is positioned, it being recalled that, when the switches 95 are closed, the switch I24 is also closed.

As the door C starts to open, the dog I28 is dropped for latching the switch E in its shifted position for interrupting the circuit of the elevator motors, as described, and the lower-door section likewise actuates the tape 68, which latter, in turn, rotates the shaft 60 of the controller F. Rotation of the shaft 60 actuates the cam I3 for closing the switch 90, current being thus supplied from the lead I23 to the lead I23 through the now closed maintaining switch I24 to the solenoid 9B for maintaining the switches 95 inclosed position irrespective further manipulation of the push-button switch H3.

As the door-sections 4, 5, approach within approximately two or three inches oi'the termini of their respective door-opening movements, the earns 12 and 13 act for opening their respective switches 89 and 99, thereby tie-energizing the solenoid 95, thereupon the switches return automatically to open position for disconnecting the motor 33 from the main-leads 91, 98, 99. At the same time, the cam 14 momentarily closes the switch 9| for energizing the solenoid IOI, which closes the switches I00 and re-connects the motor 33 with the main-le'ads 91, 90,. 99.

The current-supply to the motor 33 is now reversed, that is to say, the motor 33 is plugged for opposing the opening-movement of the doorsections 4, 5, which reduces the momentum and checks the speed of the door-sections 4, 5, as they approach fully open or closed position.

The cam 14 then opens the switch 9|, for de-energizing the solenoid IOI, whereupon the switches I 00 are opened by the spring I00 for die-energizing the motor 33 while the cam 15 momentarily closes the switch 92 for now energizing the solenoid 96, whereupon the switches 95 are again momentarily closed for motivating the door-motor 33 for quietly bringing the door C to fully open position without slamming or shock to the mechanisn, whereupon switch 92 is again opened by the roller 0| riding up upon the raised portion '0! the cam 15 for die-energizing the solenoid 95, the spring 95 then opening the swrtehes 95 for cutting of! the motor 33 from its source or power. Should the door C for any reason tend to move from open position, the cam 15 will act for momentarily closing switch 93 for automatically restoring the door C to its fully open position.

In the meantime, the cam 15, immediately following initiation of opening movement of the door C, closes the switch 93, which connects the solenoid IOI with the lead II 5. However, energ-ization oi the solenoid IOI, through the switch 93, will not be efiected until the close pushbutton H4 is manipulated by the elevator-attendant. In its normal course, the door C proceeds to iully open position, the cam 16, during such period, acting for effecting continued closure of the switch 93. The elevator-attendant then, desiring to close the door, presses the push-button switch I44 to closed position, current then flowing through the switch I I4, lead H 6, switch 93, and lead in to the solenoid I-0l for closing the switches I00, whereupon the motor 33 is actuated in reverse direction for drawing the door-sections 4, 5, together.

The solenoid IN is not, however, equipped with a maintaining switch, the push-button switch I14 being designated as oi the constant-pressure" type, that is to say, the push-button switch H4 must be continuously manipulated to closed position by the elevator-attendant during closing movement of the door C, any relaxation in manipulation of the switch II4 resulting in interruption'oi' the motor-circuit and stoppage oi the closing movement of the door C. However, reclosure of the switch H4 will efiect resumption of closing movement of the door C.

The ensuing movement of the door-section 5 toward closed position releases the tape 08, whereupon the' weight 00 acts for reversely revolving the shaft 50. Consequently, as the door-sections 4 5, are brought together in olosed position, the

cam 15 opens the switch 93 for interrupting the current-supply to the solenoid IOI, the switches I00 thereupon being automatically opened by the spring I00 for disconnecting the motor 33 from the main leads 91, 98, 99.

The door-sections 4, 5, being deprived of the power of the motor 33, slow down in their closing-movement; however, as the door-sections 4, 5, approach closed position, the cam 11 acts for momentarily closing the switch 94 for supply 01' current to the solenoid IOI from the lead I20, whereupon the switches I00 are momentarily closed for again connecting the motor 33 with the leads 91, 90, 99, for motivating the door-sections 4, 5, to final closed position,-at which time the switch 94 is again opened by the roller 0| riding up upon the raised portion of the cam 11 for de-energizing the solenoid IOI, the spring I00" then opening the switches I00 for cutting off the motor 33 from its source of power. The purpose of the switch 94 is to efiect self-closing of the door C if for any reason the door-sections 4, 5, should become separated from their normally closed position. Thus, for example, should the door-sections 4, 5, rebound from closed-position, the cam 11 acts automatically for closing the switch 94, with ensuing motivation of the motor 33 for again closing the door.

0n closure of the door C, the dog I is lifted for releasing the lever 40. For starting the elevator A, the attendant shifts the elevator controller for example to its first notch position, which, in the customary manner, energizes the motor 58 for withdrawing the cam 51. Thereupon, the roller 55 being released from the cam 51, and the lever 40 released from the dog I28, the plunger 42 is shifted upwardly by the spring 52 for opening the door-operator switches 49, 50, and closing the elevator-operator switch 5|, the ratchet plate 53 being, at the same time, latched to the ratchet arm 55.

The elevator A may now be moved from the particular landing 2, but the door C may not be opened, since it is latched, by means of the ratchet plate 53 and arm 55, against manual manipulation and may not be electrically operated inasmuch as the zone switch E has acted for interrupting the circuit of the motor 33.

It may here be pointed out that the solenoids 96 and IN are so constructed that, when one switch-group, as 95, is in circuit-closing position, the solenoid 96 thereof has a greater magnetic power, as may be said, than that of the solenoid IN, the switches I00 thereof being then in circuit-opening position. Consequently, when, during the 0pen-ng movement of the door C, the switch 94 is momentarily closed for energizing the solenoid I0 I, the magnetic power of the previously energized solenoid 95, acting through the device l09, prevents the closure of the switches I00. And, similarly, but in reverse order, when, during the closing movement of the door C, the switch 92 is momentarily closed for energizing the solenoid 9B, the same is rendered inefiective by the power of the previously energized solenoid IOI.

And it may be pointed out that, if both pushbutton switches H3, IN, are manipulated at the same time, and the switches 89 and 93 are likewise closed, the solenoids 95 and MI will merely buck one another without effecting closure of either of the switches 95, I00.

The switches H8, H9, are room-side switches operable by a. person not in the elevator A for purposes of meeting an emergency or the like.

The switches H8, H9, have the same form and function as the switches H3, H4, respectively, and further description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

It will be seen that, in all cases, manipulation of the push-buttons H3, H4, and H8, H9, will be ineffective for motivation of the door-operator D unless the retiring cam has been projected for actuating the zone switch E for closing the circuit of the motor 33.

The car position responsive switch I25 has the same functions as the push-button switch I The switch I25 is, as well known in the art, actuated automatically to closed position as the elevator A comes opposite each landing 2, which in this case energizes the solenoid. 88 through the leads I26, lZ'l, switch 89, and lead [2L The solenoid 96 then closes the switches 95, as the elevator A passes each landing, but without effeet on the door-operator D unless, as has been said, the zone switch E has been operated by the cam 5! for closing the circuit or" the motor 33.

In an emergency, the snap-switch HI may be opened, which interrupts the supply of current to the leads H2, H5, H6, I20, for immediately stopping movement of the door-operator D.

It will be seen that each door of the series thereof served by the elevator has its individual motor or unit-drive complete in itself, irrespective of any other door of the series, each door, further, being selectively controlled and operated through the means of its zone switch E and the controller F, working in conjunction with the retiring cam 51 and push-buttons H3, IM, on the elevator, and it may be pointed out that the controller F may be located conveniently in any suitable place in the elevator-well B, though preferably, as has been said, the controller F is located in the elevator-pent-house.

The use of a reduction gearing in the housing :5 permits the employment of a high-speed motor 33 of relatively small dimensions, and, by the described method of disposing the chain 25 in the wall chase I9, the installation of the operator D will occupy but little space in the elevator-well, in no manner interfering with the location and movement of the elevator A in its well B.

The controller F controls the speed of the door C as it comes to fully opened or closed position and acts to prevent banging or slamming of the door sections 4, 5. The controller F is effective, however, only through the zone-switch E for controlling the actuation of the particular door at the landing where the elevator A may be at rest and can be controlled by a switch on the elevator-car, on the room-side of the well B, as described, or, further, by means of switch I25, through the micro-leveling or similar device of the elevator-drive, as may best serve the purpose.

The wires composing the several circuits controlling the operators D may conveniently be contained in a single conduit H15 extending the heighth of the well B, thus providing a highly compact electrical installation.

It will be seen that the invention accomplishes its purposes, and it will be understood that changes and modifications in the several parts of the mechanism may be made and substituted for those herein shown and described without departing from the nature and principle of my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is,-

1. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, means including an electric circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a door-operating electric motor and its circuit, a plurality of stationary door-contacts included in the door-motor circuit and a stationary elevator contact disposed in spaced tandem relation to the door-contacts and included in the elevator circuit, a shiftable bar common to the stationary contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with the stationary door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts being normally in circuit-closing engagement and the door contacts being normally open, a bell-crank lever pivotally connected to said bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bell-crank for shifting the bar for engaging the door contacts and disengaging the elevator contacts, a first manual switch on the elevator operable for initiating movement of the door-sections from closed to open position, a first automatic switch operable by and on movement of the door sections from closed toward open position for controlling actuation of the door motor for bringing the door sections to open position, a second manually operable switch on the elevator for initiating movement of the door sections from open to closed position, a second automatic switch operable by and on movement of the door sections from open toward closed position for controlling actuation of the door motor for bringing the door sections to closed position, a pivotally mounted latch-dog cooperable with said lever for releasably retaining the same in actuated position, and a lug on a door section for releasing the dog from engagement with the lever when the door sections are in closed position.

2. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged, for travel in the well, a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, means including an electric circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a door-operating electric motor and its circuit, a plurality of stationary door-contacts included in the door-motor-circuit and a stationary elevator contact disposed in spaced tandem relation to the door-contacts and included in the elevator circuit, a shell within the well for housing the stationary contacts, a shiftable bar common to said contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with the stationary door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts being normally in circuit-closing engagement and the door contacts being normally open, a bell-crank lever pivotally connected to said bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bell-crank for shifting the bar for engaging the door contacts and disengaging the elevator contacts, a first manual switch on the elevator operable for initiating movement of the door sections from closed to open position, a first automatic switch operable by and on movement of the door sections from closed toward open position for controlling actuation of the door motor for bringing the door sections to open position, a second manually operable switch on the elevator for initiating movement of the door sections from open to closed position, a second automatic switch operable by and on movement of the door sections from open toward closed position for controlling actuation of the door motor for bringing the door sections to closed position, a lug projecting from the lever, a latch-dog pivotally mounted on the housing and provided on its under face with a series of notches cooperable with said lug for releasably retaining said lever in actuated position, and 9. lug on a door section for lifting the dog out of engagement with the lug when the door sections are in closed position.

3. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, a door comprising a, pair of oppositely shiitable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, means including an electric circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a door-operating electric motor and its circuit, a plurality of stationary door-contacts included in the door-motor circuit and a stationary elevator contact disposed in spaced tandem relation to the door-contacts and included in the elevator circuit, a shiitable bar common to the staticmary contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with the stationary door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts be ing normally in circuit-closing engagement and the door contacts being normally open, a bellcrank lever pivotally connected to said bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bell-crank for shifting the bar for engaging the door con tacts and disengaging the elevator contacts, a pivotally mounted latch-dog cooperable with said lever for releasably retaining the same in actuated position, and 2. lug on a door section for releasing the dog from engagement with the lever when the door sections are in closed position.

4. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shittable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a second electric motor and its circuit, a fixed door contact and a fixed elevator contact disposed in spaced tandem relation and included in the respective circuits, a shiitable bar common to said contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with said fixed door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts being normally in engagement for closing the first circuit and the door contacts being normally spaced for opening the second circuit, a shiftable bellcrank lever pivotally connected to the bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bell-crank for shifting the bar for engaging the door contacts for closing the second circuit and spacing the elevator contacts for opening the first circult, a rotary switch mechanism included in the second circuit, a member depending in the well havingoperative connection with said switch mechanism and engageable by one 01 the door sections responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the direction and amount of door movement, a pivotally mounted latch-dog cooperable with said lever for releasably retaining the same in actuated position, and a lug on a door section for releasing the dog from, engagement with the lever when the door sections are in closed posi tion.

5. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a second electric motor and its circuit, a fixed door contact and a fixed elevator contact disposed in spaced tandem relation and included in the respective circuits, a shiftable bar common to said contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with said fixed door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts being normally in engage-- ment for closing the first circuit and the door contacts being normally spaced for opening the second circuit, a shiftable bell-crank lever pivotally connected to the bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bell-crank for shifting the bar for engaging the door contacts for closing the second circuit and spacing the elevator contacts for opening the first circuit, a rotary switch mechanism and a third circuit for controlling the second circuit, a member depending in the well having operative connection with said switch mechanism and engageable by one of the door sections responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the direction and amount of door movement, a first manually operable switch on the elevator also included in the third circuit operable for closing the door circuit for initiating movement of the door sections from closed to open position. and a second manually operable switch on the elevator also included in the third circuit for regulating movement of the door sections from open to closed position, movement of the door sections from open to closed position continuing only so long as the second switch is in circuitclosing position.

6. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a. driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a motor and its controlling circuit for actuating the driving sprocket, a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the driving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket, a switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit, a member depending in the well having operative connection with the switch mechanism. and a projection on one of the door sections for engaging said member responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit.

'7. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means com prising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each en aging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, motor its controlling circuit for actuating the driving sprocket, a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the diving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket, a switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit, a member depending in the well having operative connection with the switch mechanism, a projection on one of the door sections for engaging said member responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit, and cooperable devices for adjustably tensioning the chain for preserving the horizontal alignment of the door sections for insuring the accuracy of actuation of the switch mechanism.

8. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a motor and its controlling circuit for actuating the driving sprocket, a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the driving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket, a switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit, a member de-- pending in the well having operative connection with the switch mechanism, a projection on one of t e door sections for engaging said member responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the motor circuit, and cooperable devices including a swingable lever supporting one of the idler sprockets for adjustab-ly tensioning the chain for preserving the horizontal alignment of the door sections for insuring the accuracy or" actuation of the switch mechanism.

9. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door com prising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the Well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door,

flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a motor and its controlling circuit for actuatin the driving sprocket, a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the driving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket, a switch mechanism and its circuit for controlling the motor ci suit, a member depending in the well having operative connection with the switch mechanism, means on one of the door sections for engaging said member responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism for controlling the direction and amount of door movement, a first manually operable switch on the elevator also included in the switch mechanism circuit operable for closing the door circuit for initiating movement of the door sections from closed to open position, a second manually operable switch on the elevator also included in the switch-mechanism circuit for regulating movement of the door sections from open to closed position, and co -operable devices for adjustably tensioning the chain for preserving the horizontal alignment of the door sections for insuring the accuracy of actuation of the switch mechanism.

10. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiltable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and a circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a door motor and its controlling circuit for actuating the driving sprocket, and a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the driving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket.

11. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the Well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shiftable sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and a circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a door motor and its controlling circuit for actuating the driving sprocket, a sprocket chain trained over the idlers and having a loop intermediate the idlers substantially embracing the driving sprocket, said chain being extended across the well from the respective idler sprockets for substantially embracing the driven sprocket, and cooperable devices for adjustably tensioning the chain for preserving the horizontal alignment of the door sections.

12. A well having a landing, an elevator arranged for travel in the well, and a door comprising a pair of oppositely shii'table sections cooperably approachable for obstructing access to the landing from the well, in combination with means including a first motor and its circuit for actuating the elevator, and means for controlling operation of the door sections, said latter means comprising a sheave at each side of the door, flexible members each engaging a sheave for connecting the door sections at their respective opposite sides, a driving sprocket associated with one of the sheaves, a driven sprocket associated with the other sheave, a pair of upper and lower idler sprockets disposed on opposite sides of the driving sprocket, a motor and its controlling circontrolling the door-motor circuit for controlling the direction and amount of door movement, a member depending in the well having operative connection with the switch mechanism and engageable by a door section responsively to door section movement for actuating the switch mechanism, a fixed door contact included in the doormotor circuit, a fixed elevator contact disposed in tandem relation with the door contact and included in the elevator-motor circuit, a shiftable bar common to said contacts, cooperable contacts carried by the bar for engagement respectively with said fixed door and elevator contacts, the elevator contacts being normally in engagement for closing the elevator-motor circuit and the door contacts being normally spaced for opening the door-motor circuit, a. shiftable bell-crank lever pivotally connected to the bar, a cam on the elevator for actuating the bellcrank for shifting the bar for engaging the door contacts for closing the door-motor circuit and spacing the elevator contacts for opening the elevator-motor circuit, and manually operable switches included in the switch-mechanism circuit and carried by the elevator for initiating movement of the door sections in one or the other direction.

HERMAN C. WALDMAN. 

